Jason Burgos
There is a lot of excitement surrounding the New York Giants because John Harbaugh is their new head coach. He brings a proven track record of success and playoff appearances. With the one-time Super Bowl winner being a part of the brain trust, they made nice moves in NFL free agency earlier this spring, and many football experts feel they did well in last month’s draft.
However, one area of concern is wide receiver Malik Nabers. It emerged recently that he had to have a second procedure on his surgically repaired knee this year, and that has significantly changed his return timeline. During a conversation with New York media this week, Harbaugh claimed he is still hopeful that Nabers will be ready for Week 1.
Considering the severity of the ligament tear and his recovery suffering setbacks, Nabers’ return to the field may not be anywhere close to what the Giants expected. That’s why they should consider adding another receiver if they feel they can get an impact player for a good price in free agency. With that in mind, here are six veteran receivers the team could target soon.
Odell Beckham
Former Giants star Odell Beckham Jr. has already talked to the team about a return, and players on the roster have publicly pushed for the move. However, he still has not put pen to paper on a deal despite having a good relationship with Harbaugh after playing for him in 2023.
The three-time Pro Bowler feels like a perfect choice. But one has to wonder if the medical team has concerns about the 33-year-old after two ACL tears and missing all of last season.
Stefon Diggs
If they can figure out the money side of a deal, Stefon Diggs would be a great addition for the Giants. Yes, he has had consistent off-the-field issues — in and outside the sport — and the 32-year-old seems to be in a decline after tearing his ACL two years ago. But there is no denying his key role in the New England Patriots’ Super Bowl run as Drake Maye’s top target in 2025.
If he was so helpful for that young QB, why not bring him in to see if he can do the same for Jaxson Dart?
Deebo Samuel
In 2021, Deebo Samuel was evolving into one of the league’s best receivers. However, injuries over the last five years have gradually sapped the elite talent from the former San Francisco 49ers star. It is why he is still available in free agency. However, the Giants just need a short-term option that can help fill the void until Nabers returns.
Samuel can do that and come at an affordable rate after a fourth straight season with under 1,000 receiving yards.
DeAndre Hopkins
Five-time Pro Bowler DeAndre Hopkins was once one of the game’s premier pass catchers. However, that was a long time ago, and the 33-year-old has turned into a journeyman receiver for hire over the last few years. If New York is looking for a veteran who can be a plus in the WR room, and at a cheap rate, Hopkins could be an option.
Juju Smith-Schuster
It may surprise many fans, but Juju Smith-Schuster was once a Pro Bowler primed to be the next big receiver in the NFL. But that was eight years ago, and he has come nowhere close to that level of production in years. Nevertheless, he is still only 29 years old and has nine years in the league under his belt. He would certainly be affordable and could be worth adding to squeeze some production out of him early in the season
Tyreek Hill
One outside-the-box option for the Giants on the free agent market would be future Hall of Famer Tyreek Hill. Like Nabers, the eight-time Pro Bowler is also recovering from a torn ACL in 2025. While he had a down year in 2024, he is still only a few seasons removed from a 1,799-yard campaign.
If he is healthier than Nabers and his life off the field isn’t a mess, Hill could be an interesting addition with a ton of upside.
